Pirates Face Midfield Challenge as Nduli Injury Clouds Season Plans
Orlando Pirates’ preparations for the second half of the Betway Premiership season have been overshadowed by worrying injury news, with one of their key midfielders facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. According to a report published by KickOff on Monday, the Soweto giants are increasingly bracing themselves for the possibility of being without Sihle Nduli for the remainder of the campaign.
There was some encouragement at the club’s training camp in North West, where Kamogelo Sebelebele has returned to full training after recovering from injury. However, the update on Nduli was far less positive. The midfielder underwent surgery on a foot injury shortly before the festive break, and his rehabilitation period is expected to rule him out for an extended time.
“Nduli is out and probably for the rest of the season,” said a source at the club, as quoted by KickOff.
Nduli’s absence represents a significant blow for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Since arriving from Stellenbosch FC ahead of the current season, the midfielder has established himself as a regular starter and an important part of Pirates’ defensive structure. His work rate and positional discipline have been central to the team’s balance, particularly in high-tempo league fixtures.
The KickOff report further states that Pirates are already assessing alternative options in defensive midfield. Marumo Gallants midfielder Ibrahim Bance is believed to be among the players being considered as the club looks to strengthen that area in light of Nduli’s injury setback.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli (Image: @orlandopirates/ X)
Despite the concern in midfield, Pirates remain in a strong position domestically. They are set to resume their league campaign with an away clash against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane on January 24. The Buccaneers currently sit top of the Betway Premiership table with 28 points from 12 matches, holding a two-point advantage over second-placed defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one game more.
Meanwhile, new signing Andre De Jong has already linked up with the squad following his move from Stellenbosch FC. De Jong was a prominent member of the Stellenbosch squads that won the 2023 Carling Knockout and reached back-to-back MTN8 finals. He also made history for the Cape side by scoring their first-ever continental goal during the 2024–25 CAF Confederation Cup campaign, experience that could prove valuable in future when Pirates compete on multiple fronts.
As the season progresses, Pirates’ ability to cope without Nduli — while integrating returning and new players — is likely to play a key role in determining whether they can maintain their position at the summit of the Premiership standings.